I write a lot about mindset. In fact, you can find a whole slew of articles I’ve written on the subject HERE: But, my true expertise in this genre is fairly limited. I was BORN and RAISED to be a bit defiant, somewhat rebellious and — most importantly — almost completely immune to criticism. These things have helped me immensely, but they were born in me — not necessarily built by me.
Meet Today’s Expert: Marla Tabaka
And so, I wanted to bring in an expert, THE Million Dollar Mindset Coach, Marla Tabaka. Marla is a life and business coach and a regular contributing author to Inc.com. I sat down with Marla and asked her YOUR TOP QUESTIONS. Here are her answers! Thank you Marla!
What are the most common “mindset qualities” you’ve seen in your clients who are MOST successful in business?
Successful women know how to change gears and possess a willingness to learn from their mistakes and perceived failures. Women with a success mindset also understand that they can’t do it alone and frequently reach out to mentors, coaches, and advisors—yet they trust and follow their own instincts. And, successful women don’t jeopardize their health and happiness by trying to be all things to all people. While there is no such thing as perfect life balance, if you are clear on your values and take good care of yourself first, you will enjoy greater harmony in your life, adding to your ability to succeed.
What about failure? What’s the most damaging “mindset” to have in business?
The most damaging mindset is the expectation of perfection. There are the women who beat themselves up emotionally for every misstep, and there are those who embrace the power of failing fast and failing often. Get your ideas out there while they are in their infancy and learn from the feedback. Only then is it wise to take your idea to the next level. If you wait for perfection the only thing you will ever be great at is self-sabotage!
Do you have ONE GO TO BOOK that you’d recommend to the entrepreneur DELIBERATELY cultivating a successful mindset?
A successful mindset begins with believing in yourself and establishing your values. For this reason the more open-minded individual will benefit from reading Ask and It Is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks. I also enjoyed Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck.
Quick note from Michelle: I also HIGHLY recommend The New Psycho-Cybernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz.
How do we BUILD / CREATE a successful mindset? What do we actually DO to build this “mindset muscle?”
A successful mindset includes an awareness of and appreciation for everything. Yes, everything. Always look for the glass half-full because even in the darkest of times there are the golden nuggets that help us learn and grow. The practice of expressing gratitude through journaling is a wonderful beginning and can be life-changing. Each day keep an eye out for three new experiences for which you are grateful and jot them down in your journal at the end of the day. This will shift your focus from your problems and stress to potential solutions and hope.
